In a commanding display at Pauley Pavilion on March 1, 2025, the No. 4 USC Trojans defeated the No. 2 UCLA Bruins 80-67. This marked their second victory over UCLA this season. This secured their first Big Ten regular-season title in their inaugural year in the conference.
Game Overview
USC set an assertive tone from the outset, initiating the game with a 9-0 run. Sophomore standout JuJu Watkins opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by contributions from senior Rayah Marshall. This early surge placed UCLA on the back foot, a position from which they struggled to recover throughout the game.
UCLA managed to narrow the gap, concluding the first quarter trailing by just three points at 23-20. However, USC implemented a relentless offense and staunch defense in the second quarter that expanded their lead to 46-32 by halftime. The Trojans maintained their momentum in the second half, withstanding the attempts UCLA made at a comeback and preserving a double-digit lead for the majority of the game.
Key Player Performances
JuJu Watkins: The sophomore guard showcased why she is a leading candidate for National Player of the Year. Watkins delivered an impressive stat line, recording 30 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Her shooting was particularly noteworthy, going 10-of-22 from the field and 4-of-11 from beyond the arc.
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Kiki Iriafen: Despite early foul trouble limiting her first-half contributions, Iriafen exploded in the second half, scoring 15 of her 17 points. She also dominated the boards, securing nine rebounds and shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field.
Rayah Marshall: Marshall displayed an all-around performance that was pivotal for the Trojans. She contributed six points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing stability on both ends of the court.
UCLA Struggles
The Bruins faced challenges in penetrating the USC defense. Star center Lauren Betts was limited to 11 points and 11 rebounds, a testament to the defensive strategy of applying multiple USC defenders and consistent pressure. The UCLA backcourt also struggled with turnovers, hindering their offensive rhythm.
Coaching Insights
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the growth and unity of the team. She highlighted the significance of the victory, stating, “We’ve become a team. And that’s just really special.”
Atmosphere and Memorable Moments
The atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant environment. A notable moment occurred when Watkins overshot a three-pointer, leading to “airball” chants from the UCLA crowd. Watkins responded with a smile, showcasing her composure and confidence.
Statistical Highlights
- Shooting Efficiency: USC shot at 48.5 percent from the field, while UCLA managed 36.1 percent.
- Three-Point Shooting: The Trojans connected on 8-of-23 (34.8%) from beyond the arc.
- Turnovers: UCLA committed 16 turnovers, leading to 25 points for USC. In contrast, USC had 12 turnovers, resulting in 13 points for the Bruins.
- Rebounding: UCLA outrebounded USC 42-36, but the Trojans’ efficient shooting minimized the Bruins’ advantage on the boards.
Historical Significance
This victory marked the first regular-season conference title for USC since 1994 and their first win at Pauley Pavilion since January 20, 2019. The Trojans also extended their winning streak against AP-ranked opponents to eight games and secured their third road win over a top-10 opponent this season, matching the program record made during the 1982-83 season.
Post-Game Reflections
Watkins expressed her satisfaction with the performance of USC and her personal motivation against UCLA.
“The work speaks for itself, and I trust the process,” Watkins said.
Iriafen acknowledged the collective effort.
“This was a team effort; everybody stepped up to make big plays,” Iriafen said.
Looking Ahead
With the Big Ten regular-season title secured, USC now sets its sights on the upcoming Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis. The Big Ten Tournament starts on Wednesday, March 5.
